MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
i
Contents
THE BASICS
Introduction.....................................................................................................................1
Front Panel ......................................................................................................................2
Back Panel ......................................................................................................................3
Connecting to a Computer ...............................................................................................5
Basic Operation...............................................................................................................5
How to Use the Menu System..........................................................................................6
THE BUTTONS
The Buttons.....................................................................................................................8
Mode Button........................................................................................................8
MSG1-MSG4 Buttons..........................................................................................8
Button Combinations.......................................................................................................8
Decrement ...........................................................................................................8
Increment.............................................................................................................8
Repeat Reader Buffer...........................................................................................8
Freeze Reader Buffer ...........................................................................................9
Pulse Tune ...........................................................................................................9
Carrier Tune.........................................................................................................9
THE MENUS
Main Menus ..................................................................................................................10
Speed.................................................................................................................10
Weight ...............................................................................................................10
Tone ..................................................................................................................10
Reader Speed .....................................................................................................10
Setup Menus..................................................................................................................10
Overall Speed ....................................................................................................11
Farnsworth.........................................................................................................11
Weight ...............................................................................................................11
Character Space .................................................................................................12
Word Space .......................................................................................................12
Keying Compensation........................................................................................12
Keying Delay.....................................................................................................12
PTT Hang Time .................................................................................................12
Tone ..................................................................................................................13
Serial Number....................................................................................................14
Leading Zeroes ..................................................................................................14
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
ii
Other Zeroes ......................................................................................................14
Nines .................................................................................................................14
Iambic................................................................................................................14
Reverse..............................................................................................................15
Paddle................................................................................................................15
Monitor..............................................................................................................15
Output................................................................................................................15
Queue ................................................................................................................15
THE READER
Using the MFJ-464 Reader ............................................................................................16
Opperation.....................................................................................................................16
THE PADDLE
Using the MFJ-464 with a Paddle ..................................................................................17
Setup Commands...........................................................................................................17
Message Memory ..........................................................................................................18
THE KEYBOARD
Using the MFJ-464 with a Keyboard .............................................................................19
Quick Mode...................................................................................................................19
Keyboard Layout ...............................................................................................19
Repeat................................................................................................................19
Caps Lock..........................................................................................................19
Keyboard Operation ......................................................................................................19
Keyboard Key Combinations.........................................................................................21
Setup Commands...........................................................................................................22
Message Memory ..........................................................................................................27
Quick Speeds.................................................................................................................27
THE TERMINAL
Using the MFJ-464 with a Terminal Program ................................................................28
Setup Commands...........................................................................................................28
Message Memory ..........................................................................................................33
Uploading and Downloading Messages .........................................................................33
Loading a Memory Block from the Computer ....................................................34
Sending Contents of a Memory Block to the Computer......................................34
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
iii
THE MEMORY
Message Memory ..........................................................................................................35
Preparing Messages.......................................................................................................35
Embedded Commands...................................................................................................36
APPENDICES
Resetting the Keyer .......................................................................................................39
Factory Defaults.................................................................................................39
Message Memory Reset .....................................................................................40
Self Test ........................................................................................................................40
Failure Message Meanings.................................................................................41
Power Down Circuit Test ..............................................................................................41
Jumper Settings .............................................................................................................42
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................42
Technical Assistance .....................................................................................................42
Morse Code Character Set .............................................................................................43
Signals Used in Other Radio Services............................................................................44
Some CW Abbreviations ...............................................................................................44
Meaning of Q Signals....................................................................................................45
Setup Commands...........................................................................................................46
Schematic......................................................................................................................47
FIGURES
Figure 1: MFJ-464 Front Panel .......................................................................................2
Figure 2: MFJ-464 Back Panel .......................................................................................3
Figure 3: Qwerty Keyboard Layout ................................................................................4
Figure 4: Dvorak Keyboard Layout ................................................................................5
Figure 5: MFJ-464 Flow Chart and Button Action Chart.................................................7
Figure 6: Code Weight..................................................................................................11
Figure 7: Keying Delay and PTT Hang Time Timing ...................................................13
Figure 8: Rise Time and Decay Time Timing ...............................................................13
Figure 9: MFJ-464 Message Memory Structure ............................................................35
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
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The Basics
Introduction
The MFJ-464 KeyReader is a full-featured memory keyer combining dual microprocessors and a
non-volatile EEPROM chip for a full featured, low cost, high reliability design. Unlike other
keyers, it uses a LCD display to set keyer functions and show the sending message. The MFJ-
464 keys CW from a paddle, a keyboard and a serial computer interface. All code parameters
are changed with an easy to use menu interface shown on the LCD display. The MFJ-464 has
four message memories of over 220 characters each which can be loaded by paddle, keyboard or
from a computer with a terminal program. The MFJ-464 can repeat messages continuously,
insert timed pauses within messages, insert an auto-incrementing serial number, have messages
call other messages or insert embedded commands into a message. Commands also can be
simply sent to the keyer in Morse code using your paddles, keyboard, terminal program on your
computer, or push-button switches on the unit.
The MFJ-464 has controls for volume and speed on the front of the unit. The paddle jack
connects to any iambic or single lever (dual contact) key paddle. The keyboard port allows use
of an optional keyboard for keyboard keying operation. The serial interface allows connection of
most RS-232 compatible computers. Some of its features:
• 2-line by 16-character LCD display.
• Iambic keyer with dot and dash memories; automatic, semi-automatic or hand-key mode.
• Four messages of over 220 characters each.
• Messages may “call” other messages and contain programmed functions.
• Input queue to store multiple message activation.
• Auto-incrementing contest serial number from 001 to 9999.
• Adjustable code speed from 5 to 99 WPM.
• Farnsworth mode with speed from 10 to 99 WPM.
• Ultra speed mode allows messages at speeds up to 990 WPM.
• Adjustable weight on code elements from 25% to 75%.
• Adjustable sidetone frequency from 300 to 1000 Hz.
• Compensation for transmitter character shortening up to 25 ms.
• Keying output delay up to 20 ms to accommodate switching delay.
• Push-to-talk (PTT) hang time up to 10 seconds.
• Direct (positive) keying.
• Carrier tune and adjustable pulse tune functions for transmitter adjustment.
• Timed pauses within messages and message loop capability for continuous replay.
• Message and keyer configuration saved without battery backup.
• Internal sidetone speaker with adjustable volume.
• Support for Qwerty and Dvorak keyboards with RepeatKey feature.
• 190 characters type-ahead keyboard buffer with buffer-full warning.
• Reader decodes Morse code up to 99 WPM with automatic speed tracking.
• Reader repeat buffer of 80 characters.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
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Front Panel
SET
POWER
VOLUME
MFJ CW KEYER/READER
MFJ-464
ON
OFF
MSG1 MSG2 MSG3 MSG4
MODE
PWRLOCK
PREV NEXT
TONE
LEVEL
100 1
Figure 1: MFJ-464 Front Panel.
• LCD Display: A 2-line by 16-character alphanumeric display. It displays the keyer’s
various menus and the code being sent and received. Normally, the top line shows the
transmitted characters and the bottom line shows the received characters. The bottom line
can be toggle to show the keyboard type-ahead buffer.
• Mode Button: The Mode button is time-sensitive and uses to navigate through the various
menus and to enter or exit the setup menus.
• Message Buttons: The Message buttons MSG1 to MSG4 are used to program and playback
the four message memories. They also use to navigate through the setup menus. These
buttons are time-sensitive.
• Lock LED: The Lock LED blinks in sync with the incoming Morse code message.
• PWR LED: The PWR LED illuminates when the power to the unit is on. It also blinks
when the keyer is in message program mode and command mode.
• Level Control: The Level control adjusts the input level.
• Volume Control: The Volume control adjusts the sidetone audio volume to the internal
speaker and Audio Out jack. Turn the control clockwise to increase the volume and counter-
clockwise to decrease the volume.
• Tone Control: The Tone control adjusts the tone frequency. It is factory set to 700 Hz.
• Set Dial Control: The Set dial control adjusts the keyer setting for the active mode. Turn
the control clockwise to increase setting and counter-clockwise to decrease setting.
• Power Button: The Power button turns the unit on and off. Press to turn power on; press
again to turn power off.
WARNING: Do not turn the power on and off rapidly, otherwise the memory (keyer
settings) would be corrupted and the unit will have to reset to factory
defaults to function properly.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
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Back Panel
SIDE
TONE
KEYBOARD
POWER
12VDC
+
KEY
IN
MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.
STARKVILLE, MS USA
KEY
OUT
PTT
OUT
RADIO
IN
RADIO
SPKR
SERIAL
PORT
Figure 2: MFJ-464 Back Panel.
• Power: The Power jack accepts a 2.1 mm coaxial plug with positive center and negative
sleeve. This unit requires 12 volts DC. An optional 500 mA power supply, the MFJ-1315, is
available from MFJ Enterprises, Inc. This unit requires a minimum of 50 mA at no volume
and without using a keyboard and a maximum of 300 mA at maximum volume into an 8-ohm
audio load with a typical keyboard. It may require more current depending on the keyboard
used; typical keyboard uses about 100 mA.
WARNING: Do not apply voltages greater that 18 volts to this unit, or permanent
damage to the unit may result.
• Side Tone: The Side Tone is a 3.5 mm stereo phone jack for connecting to an external
speaker or headphones. This jack accepts both stereo and mono plugs. When this jack is
used, the internal speaker is disabled. An optional external speaker, the MFJ-281, is
available from MFJ Enterprises, Inc.
WARNING: To prevent suffering hearing damage when using headphones, turn the
Volume control to minimum before putting on the headphones and then
slowly adjust for a comfortable volume.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
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• Radio Spkr: The Radio Spkr is a 3.5 mm stereo phone jack for connecting to an external
speaker. This jack is normally a bypass of the Radio In jack. This jack accepts both stereo
and mono plugs.
• Radio In: The Radio In is a 3.5 mm stereo phone jack for connecting to the radio’s
headphones or line out. This jack accepts both stereo and mono plugs, but only the tip of the
plug is used.
• PTT Output: The PTT Output is an RCA jack providing connection for a PTT (push-to-
talk) output that goes low when active. This jack is an open-drain output; an external pull-up
can be used if so desired. Use a quality-shielded cable for connection to this jack.
• Keying Output: This unit supports only positive keyed radios (most solid-state radios). Use
a quality-shielded cable for connection to this RCA jack. Consult your transmitter's manual
to determine if it uses direct (positive) or grid-block (negative) keying. If your radio is
negative keyed, the transmitter will either not key at all or key continuously.
• Serial Port: The serial port on the back of the unit accepts a 3.5 mm stereo phone plug to a
standard 9-pin female plug for connecting the MFJ-464 to a computer for ASCII file transfers
or monitoring your sending on the computer screen. A 3.5 mm to DB9 serial cable, the MFJ-
5161, is available from MFJ Enterprises, Inc. If your computer has a 25-pin serial port, use a
9-pin-to-25-pin adapter. If you prefer you can make this cable using the following table:
Connect 3.5 mm Stereo Plug
To DB9 (female)
To DB25 (female)
Tip (TxD)
Pin 2
Pin 3
Ring (RxD)
Pin 3
Pin 2
Sleeve (GND)
Pin 5
Pin 7
To communicate with the MFJ-464, use a terminal program on your computer that is capable
of transferring information in ASCII format. Configure the software for 9600 baud, 8 data
bits, 1 stop bit and no parity; set the flow control to Xon/Xoff.
• Keyboard: The keyboard port accepts most standard AT style keyboards (XT keyboard
does not work with the MFJ-464). The MFJ-551 keyboard is guaranteed to be fully
compatible with the keyer and available from MFJ Enterprises, Inc.
Configuration of the keyboard operation is set in the Quick mode (see page 19). It allows
selection of whether a Qwerty or Dvorak keyboard is used (see Figures 3 and 4). The Repeat
feature selects whether or not to repeat a key when it is held down. The Caps Lock power on
status can also be selected. The factory defaults are Qwerty keyboard, Repeat off and Caps
Lock on.
• Key Input: The Key Input jack is a _-inch stereo phone jack. An iambic or single lever
(dual contact) paddle with a shielded cable should be used. When used with paddles, the dot
wire should be connected to the tip of the plug, the dash wire to the ring, and the ground wire
to the shield.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
5
Figure 3: Qwerty Keyboard Layout.
Figure 4: Dvorak Keyboard Layout.
Connecting to a Computer
You may connect the MFJ-464 to a computer using the 9-pin DIN serial port on the back panel.
If your computer has a 25-pin serial port, you can use a 25-pin-to-9-pin adapter.
To use a computer with the MFJ-464, run a terminal program that will upload and download
ASCII files, and configure the terminal program to do so. Set the terminal program for 9600
baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit and no parity; set the flow control to Xon/Xoff. If you see
extraneous linefeeds on the computer screen when receiving data from the MFJ-464, you may
configure your software to strip out these extra linefeeds.
During sending, the characters sent by the MFJ-464 are sent through the serial port, so you may
use your computer to monitor the transmitted copy. You may find this particularly convenient.
You also may upload and download text files between the MFJ-464 and your computer. For
details on this, see the discussion of “Uploading and Downloading Messages” on page 33.
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MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
6
Basic Operation
The MFJ-464 is simple to operate. The Power button controls power to the unit. Start sending
with a paddle or keyboard. Adjust the volume and speed to your preference. If the speed is still
too fast or too slow, adjust the speed using the Set dial control.
All characters or code sent by the user are played on the sidetone speaker. This allows the user
to hear what he is keying, typing, or sending with a computer. Only when the keyer is used with
a paddle is the code sent as soon as it is keyed. When using a keyboard or keyer terminal, you
may type ahead of the code that is being transmitted. This allows you to enter words and phrases
faster than the transmitted code. This permits smoother code with less pauses because you can
fix misspelled words and think of the right phrase to use while your previous sentence is being
sent.
When you are in command mode, memory save, or configuration mode, the code sent to the
speaker is not sent to the Keying Output or your radio. This keeps all erroneous code off of the
air.
How to Use the Menu System
You may set up the MFJ-464 to perform any of its many functions by making the appropriate
selections from its menu system. This system consists of four main mode menus, 19 setup mode
menus and three quick mode menus. You make your selections using the five buttons under the
LCD display
-
Mode, MSG1/Prev, MSG2/Next, MSG3/100 and MSG4/1. These buttons do the
following:
• Mode
-
Scrolls through the main mode menus and setup mode menus when press briefly. To
enter the setup mode, press and hold this button for two seconds. To exit the setup mode,
press this button to go back to the main mode.
• MSG1/Prev
-
Play/program message 1 or go to the previous setup menu.
• MSG2/Next
-
Play/program message 2 or go to the next setup menu.
• MSG3/100
-
Play/program message 3 or select step of 100 in setup mode.
• MSG4/1
-
Play/program message 4 or select step of 1 in setup mode.
The main mode menus are arranged in a "wrap-around" structure, so that momentarily pressing
the Mode button will bring up another main menu in a sequence. Figure 5 shows the sequence of
the main mode menus. When power is turned on, the main menu displayed is the one that was
displayed when the unit was last turned off.
The setup mode menus are also arranged in a "wrap-around" structure, so that pressing the
Previous or Next button will bring up another setup menu in a sequence. Figure 5 shows the
sequence of the setup mode menus. When entering the setup mode, the setup menu displayed is
the one that was last used.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
7
To see how the setup mode menus system works, consider the following example.
EXAMPLE: To enter the setup mode, press and hold the Mode button for two seconds.
If the display shows that you are in the Farnsworth menu, pressing the Next button would
put you in the Weight menu and pressing the Previous button would put you in the
Overall Speed menu. Adjusting the Set dial control would lower or raise the overall code
speed. Once you have selected the speed you desire, you may leave the setup mode by
pressing the Mode button again; or press Previous or Next button to go to another setup
menu.
Once you have made your choices within the setup mode, they will be saved in non-volatile
memory for your next session.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
8
FLOW CHART
OVERALL SPEED
FARNSWORTH
WEIGHT
CHAR SPACE
WORD SPACE
KEY COMPENSATION
KEY DELAY
PTT HANG TIME
TONE
SERIAL NUMBER
LEADING ZEROES
OTHER ZEROES
NINES
IAMBIC
REVERSE
PADDLE
MONITOR
OUTPUT
QUEUE
SETUP MODESMAIN MODES
BUTTON
ACTION
Press + to decrement serial number.
Press + to increment serial number.
Press + to toggle repeat reader buffer.
Press + to toggle freeze reader buffer.
DIT
Press + to enter pulse tune mode.
DAH
Press + to enter carrier tune mode.
s13
w50
t70
00
MODE
PREVNEXT
For 2 sec.
MODE
MODE
MODE
MODE
MODE
MODE
MODE
MODE
MSG1
MSG2
MSG3
MSG4
For 2 sec.
MSG1
Program Message 1 Playback Message 1
Program Message 2 Playback Message 2
Program Message 3 Playback Message 3
Program Message 4 Playback Message 4
MSG2
MSG3
MSG4
Press
Speed
Weight
Tone
Reader
Speed
QUICK MODES
KEYBOARD LAYOUT
REPEAT
CAPS LOCK
MODE
MSG1
POWER
+
+
MODE
PREV
NEXT
Figure 5: MFJ-464 Flow Chart and Button Action Chart.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
9
The Buttons
The Buttons
Mode Button [MODE]
The Mode button is used to change keyer mode. In the main mode, press Mode button to cycle
among Speed, Weight, Tone and Reader Speed menus. This button is also used to enter and exit
the setup mode, or used in combinations with other buttons and paddles to perform special
functions.
Message Buttons [MSG1] to [MSG4]
There are four messages buttons corresponding to the four messages. To play a message, press
and release the corresponding message button. To save a message, press and hold a message
button for two seconds until the keyer responds with “GO” (dah-dah-dit dah-dah-dah). You may
then key in a message using the paddle, keyboard or terminal. Press any message button to end
the message. Refer to “The Memory” section on page 35 for explanation of the MFJ-464’s
message memory.
Button Combinations
The Mode button can be pressed in combination with another button or paddle to perform special
functions. To do this, press and hold the Mode button, within two seconds press another button
or paddle, and then release both buttons and paddle.
Decrement [MODE] + [MSG1]
Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds press the MSG1 button to decrement the
serial number by one, effectively canceling the automatic increment applied when last played
from a message. The decrement function accommodates re-sending the last serial number, as
might be needed when a repeat of a contest exchange is requested, or canceling the exchange
with a station that proved to be a “dupe”. The unit will echo a "D" (dah-di-dit) for every number
that is decrement. Decrement serial number 0001 rolls over to 9999, because the number 0000 is
not used.
Increment [MODE] + [MSG2]
Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds press the MSG2 button to increment the
serial number by one. The unit will echo an "I" (di-dit) for every number that is increment.
Increment serial number 9999 rolls over to 0001, because the number 0000 is not used.
Repeat Reader Buffer [MODE] + [MSG3]
Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds press the MSG3 button to repeat the
reader buffer.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
10
Freeze Reader Buffer [MODE] + [MSG4]
Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds press the MSG42 button to freeze the
reader buffer.
Pulse Tune [MODE] + [DIT]
Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds tap the Dit paddle to engage the pulse
tune mode. The keyer will send a continuous string of pulses to tune your station. The rate
(speed of 50 to 99 WPM) and the duty cycle (weight of 1% to 35%) of the pulses can be adjusted
with the message buttons. Press MSG1 button to decrease speed and MSG2 button to increase
speed. Press MSG3 button to decrease weight and MSG4 button to increase weight. Press Mode
button, either paddle or the ESC key to exit.
Carrier Tune [MODE] + [DAH]
Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds tap the Dah paddle to engage the carrier
tune mode. The keyer will key continuously to tune your station. Press any button, paddle or
key to exit.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
11
The Menus
Main Mode Menus
The main mode menus allow you access to the commonly used functions. There are four main
mode menus arranged in a “wrap-around” structure. When power on, keyer operation starts with
the main menu that was last used. The four main menus give you easier access to the frequently
adjusted settings and display their current values. Within each main menu, press the Mode
button briefly to view the next main menu. Turn the Set dial control to change the setting of the
current menu. Press and hold the Mode button for two seconds to enter the setup mode (see
below).
Speed
This menu is placed in the main menus to allow easier access to change the overall speed in the
range of 5 to 99 WPM. When s## is displayed, turn the Set dial control to change the overall
sending speed. Note that setting the overall speed higher than or equal to the Farnsworth speed
will disable Farnsworth spacing.
Weight
This menu is placed in the main menu to allow easier access to change the weight of code
elements in the range of 25% to 75%. Weight is the duty cycle of a continuous string of dots,
which is 50% for perfect code. When w## is displayed, turn the Set dial control to change the
code weight. A higher weight produces a heavier sound, and a lower weight causes characters to
sound lighter.
Tone
This menu is placed in the main menu to allow easier access to change the audio frequency of the
sidetone in the range of 305 to 1006 Hz. When t## is displayed, turn the Set dial control to
change the sidetone frequency. Note the one’s digit is not displayed and 1006 Hz is displayed as
t99. Most people prefer 700 to 800 Hz sidetone.
Reader Speed
This menu shows the code speed of the incoming Morse code message as ### WPM.
Maximum reader speed that can be displayed is 127 WPM.
Setup Mode Menus
The setup mode menus allow you to set up how the MFJ-464 works and behaviors. There are 19
setup mode menus arranged in a “wrap-around” structure. To access these setup menus, press
and hold the Mode button for two seconds. The setup menu that will display is the one that was
last used. When finishing, press the Mode button again to go back to the main mode for normal
operation. The LED will blink to indicate that you are in the setup mode. The Keying Output
and PTT Output are also disabled.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
12
Within each setup menu:
• Press the Mode button to exit the setup mode and go back to the main mode.
• Press the Next button to view the next setup menu; press the Previous button to view the
previous setup menu.
• Press the “100” button to set incremental step to 100; press the “1” button to set incremental
step to 1. This affects the Set dial control in the PTT Hang Time and Serial Number setup
menus.
• Turn the Set dial control to change the setting for that setup menu.
Overall Speed
The Overall Speed menu allows you to set the code speed in the range of 5 to 99 words per
minute (WPM). By "overall" speed, we mean the speed at which the words are sent. A "word"
is defined as 50 units of time, and the word "PARIS" is exactly 50 units in length. Therefore, if
"PARIS" is sent 13 times in one minute, the sending speed is 13 WPM. Standard Morse code
timing defines a dit as one unit of time and a dah as three units of time. Within each character,
there is one unit between elements (dits and dahs). Three units separate characters and seven
units separate words. Farnsworth spacing (see below) will increase the amount of time between
characters and words. Note that setting the overall speed greater than or equal to the Farnsworth
speed will disable Farnsworth spacing.
Farnsworth
The Farnsworth menu allows you to disable or enable Farnsworth mode and set the Farnsworth
speed (character speed) in the range of 10 to 99 WPM. When Farnsworth mode is enabled,
characters (dots, dashes, and intra-character spaces) are sent at the Farnsworth speed, but the
spacing between characters and words is increased to produce a slower overall speed. This
technique is useful for helping the novice learn the sounds of the code characters and avoid the
tendency of counting individual dots and dashes. The Farnsworth speed is always higher than
the overall speed. As a result, Farnsworth mode (if enabled) is automatically disabled when the
overall speed is changed to one that is greater than or equal to the current Farnsworth speed.
Also, Farnsworth speed cannot be enabled when the overall speed is at its maximum of 99 WPM.
Weight
The Weight menu is used to set the code weight in the range of 25% to 75%. Weight is the duty
cycle of a continuous string of dots, where 50% for perfect code. A higher weight produces a
heavier sound and a lower weight causes characters to sound lighter.
50% Weight
25% Weight
75% Weight
Figure 6: Code Weight.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
13
Character Space
The Character Space menu is used to increase the character space (normally three units) up to 12
units long. There are two numbers on line two of the display; the number enclosed within “[“
and “]” is the character spacing and the other number is the word spacing. Note the character
space is always at least four units shorter than the word space. So you might have to increase the
word spacing before adjusting the character space.
Word Space
The Word Space menu is used to increase the word space (normally seven units) up to 16 units
long. There are two numbers on line two of the display; the number enclosed within “[“ and “]”
is the word spacing and the other number is the character spacing. Note the word space is
always at least four units longer than the inter-character space.
Keying Compensation
The Keying Compensation menu is used to increase the keying on-time and decrease the keying
off-time up to 25 milliseconds (ms). Some radios have a key delay of 5 ms or more. By setting
5 milliseconds of compensation, the keyer will add 5 ms to the dots and dashes and subtract 5 ms
from the intra-character spaces. Although similar to increasing weight, this adjustment is
independent of the speed. This setting is used primarily to correct keying distortion by certain
transceivers and to eliminate the problems with a transmitter key delay.
Keying Delay
The Keying Delay menu is used to delay the keying output up to 20 milliseconds. This setting is
used primarily to accommodate switching delay in certain station setup. It is used in conjunction
with the PTT line to delay the keying output until all the switching is finished; that is, the keying
output is lagged behind the sidetone audio and the PTT output. This controls the time between
when PTT is asserted and when CW keying will start.
PTT Hang Time
The PTT Hang Time menu is used to set the PTT hang time from 1 to 9999 milliseconds. This
controls the time between when CW keying is ended and when the PTT will de-assert. You may
adjust this to your liking for on-the-air sending. Press the “1” button and use the Set dial control
to change time in increments of 1 ms; press the “100” button and use the Set dial control to
change time in increments of 100 ms.
Note: If Keying Delay and PTT Hang Time are equal to zero, the PTT Output waveform will
be identical to the Keying Output waveform.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
14
PTT Hang TimeKeying Delay
PTT Output
Keying Output
Sidetone Audio
Figure 7: Keying Delay and PTT Hang Time Timing.
Tone
The Tone menu allows you to set the audio frequency in the range of 305 to 1006 Hz. The MFJ-
464 features smooth, clean audio, with sine wave output, instead of the harsh square wave audio
used by many other keyers. Also, the MFJ-464 produces each dit and dah with a rise and decay
time of approximately 5 milliseconds, avoiding the "spikes" that cause distracting key clicks.
The MFJ-464's audio sounds like that of a good CW transceiver.
Keying Output
Sidetone Audio
Rise Time Decay Time
Figure 8: Rise Time and Decay Time Timing.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
15
Serial Number
The Serial Number menu allows you to set the current serial number from 0001 to 9999. Press
the “1” button and use the Set dial control to change number in increments of 1; press the “100”
button and use the Set dial control to change number in increments of 100. Only three digits are
sent for numbers below 1000—use leading zeroes when appropriate. The serial number is
automatically post-incremented each time it is sent. Serial number 9999 will wrap-around to
0001, skipping 0000 since it is not used. Use Leading Zeroes, Other Zeroes and Nines menus to
control the way zeroes and nines in the serial number are sent (see below). There are a four-digit
number and three single characters on line two of the display. The four-digit number enclosed
within “[” and “]” is the serial number.
Leading Zeroes
The Leading Zeroes menu is used to set whether the leading zeroes in the serial number are sent
as “0”, “O”, “T” or not at all. There are a four-digit number and three single characters on line
two of the display. The character enclosed within “[” and “]” is the replacement for the leading
zeroes in the serial number.
Other Zeroes
The Other Zeroes menu is used to set whether the non-leading zeroes in the serial number are
sent as “0”, “O” or “T”. There are a four-digit number and three single characters on line two of
the display. The character enclosed within “[” and “]” is the replacement for the other zeroes in
the serial number.
Nines
The Nines menu is used to set whether the nines in the serial number are sent as “9” or “N”.
There are a four-digit number and three single characters on line two of the display. The
character enclosed within “[” and “]” is the replacement for the nines in the serial number.
Iambic
The Iambic menu allows you to enable or disable iambic operation. Iambic operation allows you
to squeeze both paddles and get alternating dots and dashes. There are two different types of
iambic keying, and both are available. The difference in behavior of these two modes occurs
when both paddles are squeezed and then released. In iambic A mode, the keyer will simply
complete the element (dot or dash) in progress, and then stop sending. In iambic B mode, the
keyer will complete the element in progress, and then send an additional opposite element. For
example, a release during the dash produces "dit-dah" (A) in iambic A mode but produces "dit-
dah-dit" (R) in iambic B mode. Non-iambic mode does not alternate between dots and dashes
during a squeeze. It plays whatever side made contact first until it is released. That is, when
iambic mode is disabled there are no dot and dash memories.
MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader
16
Reverse
The Reverse menu allows you to reverse the paddles designation. When using paddles, the MFJ-
464 normally expects the dot paddle to be connected to the tip of the plug and the dash paddle to
be connected to the plug's ring. If your paddles are wired in the opposite manner, or you wish to
change between right and left-handed operators, you may turn Reverse ON to switch the paddle
functions. You can also set this mode by simply pressing the paddle you desire to designate as
the dot paddle.
Paddle
The Paddle menu allows you to select how the paddle works. With the automatic option, the
keyer functions as an iambic keyer for use with a dual-lever paddle. As an iambic keyer, the
MFJ-464 has dot and dash memories, for "squeeze keying," and functions just like other iambic
keyers, both standalone keyers and those built into radios. With the semi-auto option, the keyer
can be used with a single-lever key, with dots generated automatically and dashes formed
manually by the user. This emulates the function of a mechanical semi-automatic "bug." You
also may use this unit with a straight key or a bug, connect the straight key or bug to the ground
and the dash line. With the hand-key option, both the dot and dash lines can be used to connect
to a straight key. Notice hand-key mode may not be used to enter messages or setup commands.
Note: In hand-key mode using the paddle, the MFJ-464 will not display the code sent or
record to the keyer memory. Also, the difference between this and the Handkey
command is that this command affects the paddle only.
Monitor
The Monitor menu is used to toggle the sidetone speaker on and off. If the sidetone is turned off,
it will still play command messages and status information. To conserve power, the keyer
should be operated with the monitor off in favor of the rig’s sidetone.
Output
The Output menu is used to toggle the keying output on and off. If the output is turned off, no
signal goes to the Keying Output or the PTT Output to allow practice operation. The output is
temporarily disabled during memory message storing, command mode operation, status
information, and keyer setup.
Queue
The Queue menu is used to toggle the message queue on and off. Queue mode enables the user
to load messages into a buffer to play sequentially. In queue mode, if you press a message
button while a message is playing, that message will play after the current message is done.
When queue mode is off, pressing a message button will abort any message being played and
play the new message. When on, up to eight button presses are stored in order and acted upon in
succession as each message is completed.
Note: Disabling the queue mode increases the message stack size to seven levels deep used by
the embedded Call command.
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